My name is Elizabeth Barajas, and I’m the current president of Triota, the Gender Studies Honor Society, where we strive to promote feminist principles of inclusion, empowerment, and community care.

This semester, as our city faces a growing wave of hostility and fear directed toward immigrants, Triota has chosen to focus our efforts on supporting Chicago’s street vendors, many of whom are immigrants whose livelihoods are being threatened.

Street vendors are an essential part of Chicago’s culture and heart. They bring warmth, hard work, and tradition to our neighborhoods, often while facing unfair treatment, harassment, and fear. Many fear working due to anti-immigrant sentiment and aggressive enforcement, losing income and security.

But while fear can silence, love and solidarity cannot be seized.

Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward supporting vendors so they can continue to thrive and care for their families.

Let’s show our street vendors that Chicago stands with them.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us protect our city’s soul.

— Elizabeth